Afternoon Shift: April showers

April 18, 2013

WBEZ

Afternoon Shift #295: April showers

We discuss the impact storms like today's take on the area. From farms to infrastructure to what causes these storms, we've got it covered. Then we turn to WBEZ sports blogger Cheryl Raye-Stout for a Bulls playoff game preview, take a trip to Palatine and hear from State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Storified by · Thu, Apr 18 2013 11:17:02

The (Rainy) Day Today: Flooding shut down parts of the Kennedy, Edens and Eisenhower expressways this morning, doubling and even tripling commute times for some and opening the roads for many Chicago commuters. For this rainy-day edition of the show, Afternoon Shift asks whether the area is equipped to handle the weather. John Kiefner, a farmer in Will County, says what the rains mean for his 500 acres of corn, soybeans and hay. Doug Farr, president and CEO of Farr Associates Architecture and Urban Design, explains how the region’s built environment often exacerbates flooding conditions. And, Lee Sandlin, author of the book Storm Kings: The Untold History of America’s First Tornado Chasers, discusses the early days of meteorology.

What are your favorite rainy day tunes? Making a mega playlist for #AfternoonShift in honor of #BEZstorm coverage. Let's hear 'em!Claire Delahorne

Not seeing the reported SB LSD flooding. But then again I can’t see out the windows and my bus has a “too big to fail” attitude. #bezstormErini CS

Bulls start the playoffs: The Chicago Bulls wrapped up their regular season Wednesday with a victory over the Washington Wizards. Now, for the first round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday, the Derrick “Rose-less” team takes on the Brooklyn Nets. Niala get a preview from WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout.

The journey of NBA nomad Malcolm ThomasJumping between teams and leagues, NBA nomad Malcolm Thomas hopes to stay with the Bulls.

Hobbling Noah key to Bulls' playoff successAP Photo/Nam Y. Huh Joakim Noah was scoreless in 14 minutes against the Wizards on Wednesday. CHICAGO -- In the grand scheme of this seas...

A Day In The Life: Palatine: WBEZ’s Logan Jaffe and Robert Wildeboer recently paid a visit to Northwest suburban Palatine and discover, much to their surprise, a mini-gulf course in the basement of a funeral home and the state’s biggest roller rink. WBEZ blogger Lee Bey also stops by to give a short history lesson of the area.

I should set up my tripod before I put on these roller skates. @WBEZLogan Jaffe